Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Emmanuel Philibert
Portrait of Emmanuel Philibert by Giacomo Vighi, in the robes of Grand Master of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation
Duke of Savoy
Reign	17 August 1553 – 30 August 1580
Predecessor	Charles III
Successor	Charles Emmanuel I
Born	8 July 1528 Chambéry, Savoy
Died	30 August 1580(1580-08-30) (aged 52) Turin, Savoy
Burial	Chapel of the Holy Shroud
Spouse	Margaret of France
Issue	Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy
House	House of Savoy
Father	Charles III of Savoy
Mother	Beatrice of Portugal
Religion	Roman Catholic
Signature

Emmanuel Philibert (born July 8, 1528 – died August 30, 1580) was a powerful ruler known as the Duke of Savoy. People sometimes called him "Ironhead" because he was a strong military leader. He ruled the lands of Savoy from 1553 until he passed away in 1580. He is famous for getting his lands back after France had taken them over when he was a child. He also moved the capital city of his state to Turin.

Life of Emmanuel Philibert

Emmanuel Philibert was born in Chambéry. He was the only child of Charles III, Duke of Savoy, and Beatrice of Portugal who lived to be an adult. His mother was related to Charles V, a very powerful emperor.

Early Military Career

Emmanuel Philibert joined Charles V's army. He fought in a war against Francis I of France. He showed great skill by capturing a town called Hesdin in July 1553. A month later, his father died, and Emmanuel Philibert became the Duke of Savoy.

However, being duke was not easy. Most of his family's lands had been taken over by the French in 1536. So, he continued to serve the Habsburg family. He hoped this would help him get his lands back. From 1555 to 1559, he worked for his cousin, Philip II of Spain, as the Governor of the Netherlands.

Winning Back His Lands

As governor, Emmanuel Philibert led the Spanish army into northern France. He won a major victory at Saint-Quentin on August 10, 1557. This battle was very important for his future.

He also hoped to marry Lady Elizabeth Tudor, who later became Queen Elizabeth I of England. In 1559, he finally got his lands back. This happened after France and Spain signed a peace treaty called the Peace of Cateau Cambrésis. He then married his cousin, Margaret of France, Duchess of Berry. She was the sister of King Henry II of France. They had one child, Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy.

Later Years and Achievements

After his uncle, Henry I of Portugal, died in 1580, Emmanuel Philibert tried to claim the throne of Portugal. But he soon realized that Philip II of Spain had a stronger claim. Philip II took control of Portugal, joining Spain and Portugal together.

Emmanuel Philibert spent his time as ruler getting back what his family had lost. He was a very smart leader. He used disagreements in Europe to slowly get back land from both the French and the Spanish. This included the important city of Turin. He also bought two other areas.

He made big changes inside his state. He moved the main government city from Chambéry to Turin. He also changed the official language. In the Duchy of Savoy and the Duchy of Aosta, he made French the official language. In the Principality of Piedmont and the County of Nice, he made Italian the official language. He was trying to get more land when he died in Turin. He was buried in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud in the Turin Cathedral. He had moved the famous Sindone there in 1578.

Images for kids

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  The Caval ëd Brons ("Bronze horse"), a monument to Emmanuel Philibert in Turin

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  A picture of his tomb monument

See also

• 1580 Portuguese succession crisis
• In Spanish: Manuel Filiberto de Saboya para niños